Advance File PhotoRep. Michael McMahon is a sponsor of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Michael McMahon wants to help students who are in this country without documentation to dream a little Dream.

McMahon (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn) is a sponsor of the Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, known as the Dream Act.

He said the legislation, which is in committee in the House and the Senate, provides a path to legal residency for undocumented students, including those who were brought to America by their parents at a young age "without any opportunity to object."

"Children should not bear the brunt of failed policies," said McMahon, who was joined by about two dozen advocates and students outside Borough Hall yesterday.

Under the law, undocumented students who attend a two- or four-year institution or who serve in the military and follow other regulations will have the opportunity to gain legal residency and a Green Card.

"It is the right thing to do and the right way to do it," said McMahon. "It gives these young people a way into the lawful system, a way to follow to legal status."

McMahon, whose mother immigrated to the U.S. from Germany, said the 13th Congressional District has the fastest growing immigrant population in the city.

He said the program will be overseen by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, and would cost the government nothing but administrative fees.

"We want immigration, not deportation," said Sara, a 20-year-old Port Richmond resident who didn't want her last name used because she is undocumented. She was brought to this country at the age of 18 months and graduated from Port Richmond High School at 16.

Others at the event spoke of graduating from college but being prohibited from using their degrees to find work because of their immigration status.

"It is un-American to indefinitely ... punish them for decisions made by adults, their parents, years ago," said Sam Owusu-Sekere, a New Brighton resident who is a member of the Staten Island Immigrant Council.